Visit the famous abandoned diamond mining town

Do something different and go on a Kolmanskop Ghost Town Tour, explore the old buildings this former diamond mining town, which is great for photography

Perched on the windswept Atlantic coast of southern Namibia, Lüderitz is a curious blend of history, isolation, and coastal charm. Founded during the German colonial era, the town still bears the architectural hallmarks of its past - Art Nouveau buildings, old churches, and a distinctly European feel that contrasts with its stark desert surroundings. Its setting, between the Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic, is dramatic and unique, offering a glimpse into a time when German settlers tried to carve out a life in one of Africa’s harshest environments.

Just 10 kilometres inland lies Kolmanskop, one of Namibia’s most iconic ghost towns. Once a thriving diamond mining settlement in the early 1900s, it was abandoned when richer deposits were discovered further south. Today, the desert is slowly reclaiming the town, with sand dunes spilling through the doors and windows of crumbling mansions, a theatre, and even a bowling alley. A visit to Kolmanskop offers an evocative and visually striking experience - part history lesson, part photographic dream - making it a must-see for anyone exploring Namibia’s southern region. Combined, Lüderitz and Kolmanskop reveal a fascinating chapter of Namibia’s past and a stark reminder of nature’s quiet, relentless power.